MMDA begins crackdown vs. e-bikes, tricycles on nat’l roads

In a situation report as of noon, the MMDA has apprehended a total of 87 vehicles — 50 tricycles, four pedicabs, 18 e-trikes, and 15 e-bikes. (Photo: MMDA/Facebook)

MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday began its implementation of the ban on e-bikes, tricycles, and other similar unregistered vehicles from national roads in the National Capital Region.

In a situation report as of noon, the MMDA has apprehended a total of 87 vehicles — 50 tricycles, four pedicabs, 18 e-trikes, and 15 e-bikes.

Each apprehension was fined PHP2,500.

About 19 of the vehicles were impounded for being unregistered or the driver was unlicensed.

In a statement, MMDA acting chair Romando “Don” Artes said the policy has been announced through a memorandum issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“Ang pangunahing layunin ng regulasyon ay para sa kaligtasan ng publiko, maiwasan ang mga aksidente, at maiwasan ang bigat sa daloy ng trapiko (The primary objective of this regulations is the safety of the public, to avoid accidents, and worsen vehicular traffic),” Artes said.

On April 15, Artes reminded the public of the ban on e-bikes and other unregistered vehicles and ordered enforcers to educate violators of the policy during the first two days before beginning apprehensions on Wednesday.

On March 11, the MMDA announced the implementation of Regulation No. 24-022 or the prohibition of e-bikes, e-trikes, tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and “kuliglig” from traversing national roads, circumferential roads, and radial roads in Metro Manila beginning April 15.

The regulation is based on DILG Memorandum Circular No. 202-036 and 2023-195 as well as the Land Transportation Office Administrative Order No. 2021-039 or the Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration and Operation of All Types of Electric Vehicle.